Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore recently experienced a harrowing ordeal when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. The flight, which was 10 hours into its 13-hour journey, was suddenly hit by violent shaking, tilting, and dropping, causing chaos inside the cabin.
According to reports, the fasten seatbelt sign was not illuminated at the time of the incident, catching passengers off guard as they were in the midst of meal service and moving around the cabin. The turbulence was so intense that passengers were thrown around the cabin, with some hitting the ceiling and sustaining injuries.
Tragically, a 73-year-old British man, Geoffrey Kitchen, lost his life during the turbulence. Despite efforts by fellow passengers to perform CPR, he did not survive. Additionally, 71 other passengers were injured, with six of them in critical condition, including Mr. Kitchen's wife.
Singapore Airlines' CEO has expressed his condolences to the affected passengers and their families, acknowledging the traumatic experience they endured. The airline, known for its safety record, is cooperating with investigations led by the Singapore Transport Ministry and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board due to the involvement of a Boeing aircraft.
The incident has raised questions about the lack of warning prior to the turbulence and the importance of adhering to safety protocols on flights. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event, passengers and crew members are receiving support and medical attention to cope with the aftermath of the terrifying ordeal.
